Life after the BM710

J

jrp1

Joined
Oct 19, 2001
Messages
17
Guys, I need some help. Based on all the good info I picked
up while lurking here, I purchased my first quality knife,
a plain BM 710. I carry it every day and love it.

Problem is, I'm itching to buy something else to give
the 710 a rest from EDC once in a while, but everything
else I've looked at sort of pales in comparison.

I bought an 880BT at the same time as the 710, but it's
just not in the same league and it's almost too pretty
to carry any way. Don't want to scratch up that pristine
teflon.

Any suggestions for a folder of similar heft and quality
for occasional carry? I like the larger (~4") blade sizes,
but might consider a smaller blade. It doesn't have
to be a BM and a bit more in price is ok, too.
(Sebenza, though, is a bit too much)

Thanks for any suggestions!
 
Think Emerson. I too carried a BM 710, and it is a great knife. But if you can handle a liner lock then an Emerson is an especially nice one to have. The coolest thing about Emersons? The Wave - this makes up for the relatively slow closing of the liner lock, cause it opens faster than a switchblade. It's almost like having a fixed blade in terms of presentation of the blade. Models with the Wave include the Commander, PSARK, CQC-7, and the SOCFK (this one available exclusively through company in North Carolina, I think. Check the Emerson website for more information.

If you want another Axis lock, consider the ACFK that just came out, it might be just the thing.

Zzzen_Dog
 
jrp1,

I also took the excellent information I picked up here, and after about a year and a half, I bought a Sebenza. I now own about 20 one hand locking knives of which maybe 6 will be in rotation with the Sebenza. It was fun trying different locks, blade styles, handle materials and steels, but when I got the Sebenza...I found *my* knife. The need to explore other production knives has left me, this might have happened to you with the 710.

Sure, I'll continue to look at new and interesting knives, I'll even buy one now and then. I might even pop for another Sebenza or two, but at the moment I will wait for a custom that is on order, and concentrate on....

Firepower!

Good luck in your search (try a BM940 maybe) and have fun. :)


Steve-O
 
You might try the BM-690 or as previously mentioned, the 940 or the new 806 (AFCK Axis lock with D-2 blade)
 
jrp1,

What you are looking for is the Al Mar SERE 2000. I rotate it with my 710HSSR. I love them both. The 710 is tops for just practical, durable, all around utility.

The SERE 2000 is just impressive for a $120 knife. It has excellent VG-10 steel, thick and solid liners, solid stainless spacer block and heavy SS pins, thick G-10 grips. The blade spine is about .14". It is relatively compact (3.6" blade) but is a very solid 6 oz. It is a very well made knife. And it would make an excellent contrast to the 710, as they are very different knives, IMO. A few have complained about liner lock failure with theirs. This problem appeared to be with the first run. The newer ones have a reputation for outstanding lock reliability. The lock-up on mine is better than anything I own.
 
Guys,

Thanks for the great suggestions. Zzzen_dog, the
Emersons are very cool, but a little too "tactical"
for me at the moment. I like the BM's that Steve-O
and OUCH suggested, but I think komondor hit the nail
on the head. The SERE 2000 is just what I was looking
for. Similar to the 710 in the right ways (heft,
quality construction, good utility knife), but enough
different to be a nice contrast as you put it.

I'm going to e-mail Mike Dye at New Graham and see if he
has one of recent production. If not, any suggestions
where I can get one for $120?

This forum is great. Thanks again

Joe

PS - Other suggestions still welcome.
There's no one-knife-a-month law in Cali (yet!)
 
Here's a short list of ones I can personally reccomend;

(My first choice would be a Sebenza but they are indeed a little pricey, now, after holding one and playing a bit you may find a way to justify one ;))

In order of preference..

MOD CQD MKII ~$160 :cool:
Spyderco Chinook ~$100
REKAT Carnivore ~110
Al Mar SERE 2000 ~$120
Buck Strider ~$120

Any one of these would have the potential to replace your 710 as a favorite knife :)
 
The 710 is a hard one to beat, but here's some other good knives to look at:

BM 806D2 Axis AFCK
BM 730CFHS
Spyderco Chinook
MT LCC DA
REKAT Sifu
SOG Night Vision

Since you're in San Diego, why don't you head on over to Wright Knives in La Mesa and talk to Dennis Wright. He's a fellow forumite with a very well stocked knife store and very good prices, and, unlike some knife store employees/owners, he really knows his knives. You can get suggestions and get to handle the knives at one place.
 
jrp1,

Go for it.

One online store I like is Knife outlet: good service and prices. Bayou LaFourche is also good.
 
Take a look at the Microtech SOCOM Elite model.
Although this folder has not many supporters among the BladeForums members, it is still a great knife. IMO one of the best all-around folders (production) currently available.

Very good workmanship, a reliable lock and a ergonomic handle design.
The sturdy blade is equally right for hard and precise work.
The opening mechanism is soft as silk and not even the suggestion of blade play, someone has named this “fixed blade feeling”.
Furthermore a very well suitable self defense folder.

Socom.jpg


Specifications:

Model: Manual Socom Elite
Blade: 154CM stainless steel, hardened to 60 RC
Blade Length: 4.05"
Thickness: .174"
Open: 9.11"
Closed: 5.1"
Handle: 6061-T6 Aluminum Hard Coat Anodized
Lock Mechanism: Manual Action-Constant Thrust Load With Wave Spring, 154CM MICROBAR® Lock
Weight: 5.6 oz
 
I just ordered the SERE 2000 from Mike Dye.
Many of the other suggestions look very interesting,
especially the SOCOM Elite. I'll be checking them
all out over the next few days. My bank account is not
going to be very happy with you gents. I'll swing
by Wright Knives next time I am over that way. Thanks
again for all the suggestions!
 
I think you will be quite happy with the S2K. It is one helluva knife.

Let us know what you think when you get it please.
 
The Sebenza is my all time favorite EDC. If you don't want to spend that much, the Buck Strider looks pretty good.

Paul
 
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